Turkey Leftovers

Wondering what to do with all of those Thanksgiving leftovers? Try these recipes that use up that extra turkey. Plus, readers share their favorite leftover tips.

“Leftover-Turkey Bake (shown at right) is a great way to finish extra turkey,” says Alice Slagter of Wyoming, Michigan. Dotted with pretty cranberries, the satisfying hot dish is a perfect way to warm up chilly winter nights.

After tasting this savory Turkey Lattice Pie recipe from the Taste of Home Test Kitchen, you'll find yourself turning to this recipe time and again. Prepared crescent roll dough makes the lattice crust a snap. Enjoy it with a side dish of cranberry relish and mint brownies for dessert or whip up an apple Waldorf salad and round out the menu with raspberry sherbet.

From Hastings, Minnesota, Mary Jo O'Brien sent this satisfying supper idea that puts Thanksgiving leftovers to terrific use. "I sometimes make turkey just so I have the extras for Creamy Turkey Casserole," she says.

Pamela Yoder of Elkhart, Indiana says this delectable Turkey Broccoli Hollandaise (shown at left) is a great way to use extra turkey. She writes, "The original recipe called for Thanksgiving leftovers, but my family loves it so much that I prepare this version all year long."

“I make Turkey Turnovers often after the holidays when there's leftover turkey in the refrigerator or freezer,” says Julie Wagner of Northville, Michigan. “It's a hearty meal for the two of us and simple to prepare.”

Chunks of leftover turkey are a tasty addition to this thick, cheesy dip that comes from Gayle Lewis of Winston, Oregon. "You'd never guess it has just three ingredients," she says. "Turkey Nachos can easily be doubled or tripled to satisfy a hungry crowd.”

Leftover Tips

Leftover Tips

Here's an easy way to use up cooked ham, turkey or chicken. Just finely chop the meat and add mayonnaise, pickle relish, onion if you'd like, and salt and pepper to taste. This spread is good in sandwiches or on crackers. —Karen G., Somerset, Kentucky

Looking for a different way to use up extra turkey and stuffing from your holiday meal? I use it to replace some of the ingredients in a typical quiche. Instead of a pastry crust, I press some stuffing into a pie plate to form a crust. Then I substitute chopped cooked turkey and shredded Swiss for the meat and cheese called for in the recipe, and bake as directed. It turns out terrific. —Janelle Ogg, Santa Rosa, California

To use up leftover turkey, I make a simple and satisfying soup. First I saute onion and green pepper in oil, then add chicken broth. I puree leftover mashed potatoes and vegetables, then stir that into the broth with the chopped turkey. —Marion S., Chicago, Illinois

Add leftover gravy from your Thanksgiving turkey drippings to the next day's turkey soup. It gives the soup great flavor. —Weda M., Phillipsburg, New Jersey

For a new entree, combine leftover turkey, gravy and dressing. Put it in a greased baking pan and bake at 350° until golden. —Millie K., Elyria, Ohio

I put leftover Thanksgiving turkey in a slow cooker and add some minced garlic, barbecue sauce and a dash of hot sauce. When it's heated through, I serve the meat on warmed hamburger buns. My family looks forward to these sandwiches every year. —Stacy A., Twin Falls, Idaho

To use up turkey, I team it with tortillas. First, I dice the cooked meat and simmer it in leftover gravy or broth with chopped celery, onion and mushrooms. While the meat mixture is cooking, I shred 8 to 10 flour tortillas and place them on top, sprinkling with salt and pepper to taste. I let the mixture cook on the stove until it has thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. —Kimberly E., South Fulton, Tennessee

I'm always looking for ways to use up leftovers. When I had about 1-1/2 cups each of leftover turkey and cooked rice, I came up with this salad. I combined the turkey and rice with 1/2 cup each of diced green onions, celery, tomato, and green, red and yellow pepper. Then I added a small can of vegetarian baked beans. I tossed this combination with a dressing made with mayonnaise and barbecue sauce and put it in the refrigerator to chill. —Rachel P., Fisher, Arkansas

When I have a variety of leftover meats, such as beef, turkey, Italian sausage, etc., I cut them into small pieces and combine them in a stew pot. Then I add leftover gravy, frozen hash browns, shredded cabbage and leftover vegetables. I cook the mixture until the potatoes are tender. This delicious stew is great over biscuits or with a pan of corn bread. —Charlene W., Williamsburg, Ohio